Pope Leo XIV Diagnosed with Lung Cancer After Surgery

Pope Leo XIV has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma after undergoing surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung at Gemelli Hospital in Rome. The 71-year-old pontiff's diagnosis was confirmed through tissue tests conducted during the surgery, which lasted about 90 minutes and was performed by Dr Stefano Margaritora and Dr Luigi Carbone.

The Vatican reported that the operation was successful and without complications. However, details regarding the tumor's size and whether the cancer has spread to lymph nodes have not been disclosed, leaving uncertainty about the pope's prognosis.

Dr Stephen Liu, a lung cancer specialist, emphasized the need for further information to assess the stage of the cancer, which is critical for treatment and prognosis. Following the surgery, Pope Leo regained consciousness and is expected to remain hospitalized for about a week, with all public engagements canceled until October 20.

His upcoming 11-day tour of South America from November 6 to 17 is also in question.